Posts under tag: pay telephones

CNET.com reported today about a newly approved proposal that aims to utilize the 7,000 public pay telephone installations remaining throughout the New York City’s five boroughs. A public-private partnership is launching LinkNYC, a network of gigabit wi-fi hubs that use the existing footprints for pay telephones. Unlike other citywide wi-fi attempts as seen in San Francisco (in certain public places only), each of the hubs will provide free wi-fi within a 150 foot radius of each station (or Link) with the goal of covering the large portions of the city within six years. The first Links should be online by late 2015 or early 2016. This will not replace in-home Internet access but will provide seamless connectivity for anyone out and about.

Each Link will allow for free phone calls anywhere in the U.S., a touchscreen interface to access city services and directions, access to local 911 and 311, and free charging stations for mobile devices. Each Link will have advertising displays which will pay for the network’s construction over time (meaning no taxpayer cost) and will also serve for public service announcements.